Mansa mourns Sakeni

HUNDREDS of mourners from all walks of life converged at the Cathedral Catholic Church in Mansa during the funeral procession of the late Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Kennedy Sakeni that was presided over by priest, Rocky Mwansa.
Father Mwansa said the late Mr Sakeni was a dedicated Christian who keenly followed the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
Earlier yesterday, a sombre mood characterised Mansa as the body of Mr Sakeni arrived ahead of burial scheduled for Samfya today.
Mr Sakeni’s body was airlifted to Mansa from Lusaka City Airport by a Zambia Air Force plane.
The late minister, who was the Patriotic Front (PF) Mansa Central Member of Parliament, died at the University Teaching Hospital on Thursday last week after an illness.
He would be buried at Mushinka Village in Samfya District, and is survived by a wife and 13 children.
At the funeral service yesterday, President Michael Sata said Mr Sakeni would be remembered as a selfless leader, who placed national interest first.
In a message read for him by Home Affairs Minister, Edgar Lungu, the President said Mr Sakeni served his country with love, passion and humility.
He appealed to Zambians to emulate the good deeds of Mr Sakeni to make Zambia a better place.
“The late Mr Sakeni is gone but we have a duty to emulate and continue the good works he has left in making Zambia a better place for all,” Mr Sata said.
He assured Mr Sakeni’s widow, Lillian that the nation was mourning with her.
Luapula Province Minister Benson Kapaya said Mr Sakeni should be mourned in a dignified manner as he was a hero.
Brigadier-General Kapaya said the late minister was a fountain of wisdom and that his hard working spirit was testified by the number of people who were mourning him.
“My request and appeal is that this fallen hero, the late Mr Sakeni should be mourned in a dignified way because his leadership style has impressed us all. Luapula Province in particular has lost a pillar,” Brig Gen Kapaya said.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Union of Journalists (ZUJ) has said Zambia has lost a dedicated leader and supporter of freedom of the Press.
In a statement, ZUJ general secretary Angela Chishimba said the union was mourning with the people of Zambia on the demise of Mr Sakeni.
“We pray that the late minister’s family finds strength and comfort in the Almighty God during this period of grief,” Ms Chishimba said.—ZANIS